CVE-2017-8053 : Security Advisory and Response

PoDoFo 0.9.5 allows denial of service through infinite recursion and stack consumption via a crafted PDF file in PoDoFo::PdfParser::ReadDocumentStructure (PdfParser.cpp).

Understanding CVE-2017-8053

An issue has been identified in PoDoFo 0.9.5, where a specially crafted PDF file can lead to denial of service through infinite recursion and stack consumption.

What is CVE-2017-8053?

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in PoDoFo 0.9.5 that allows attackers to cause denial of service by exploiting the PdfParser::ReadDocumentStructure function.

The Impact of CVE-2017-8053

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to trigger infinite recursion and consume excessive stack space, leading to denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-8053

PoDoFo 0.9.5 is susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the PdfParser::ReadDocumentStructure function implemented in PdfParser.cpp.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: PoDoFo 0.9.5
Vendor: N/A
Version: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft a malicious PDF file to trigger the vulnerability in the PdfParser::ReadDocumentStructure function.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-8053, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PoDoFo to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Avoid opening PDF files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement network and system monitoring to detect unusual behavior that may indicate an attack.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for PoDoFo and apply patches promptly to protect against potential exploits.